🔊 TTS Settings
Isaac shrugged casually.
“If you don’t want it to seem like just a ‘debutante ball for a private individual,’ then announce it more like an official banquet introducing the ‘new Hardenberg.’ The nobles won’t be able to contain their curiosity if it’s framed that way.”
“Of course. But… do you really intend to accept the young lady of the Collhart family?”
There had been plenty of rumors, but no official statement. Even the person at the center of the rumors had remained silent for a week.
No matter who they accepted, not even the Emperor could intervene. Still, the idea of Collhart’s power growing further was not exactly pleasing.
At the Emperor’s question, Isaac’s lips curled into a sly smile.
“You can confirm that on the day of the event.”
“Sigh…”
“I’d like to say that, but… a contract is a contract, so I’ll give you a short answer.”
For once, he was being unusually kind. The Emperor hid his surprise and listened carefully.
Hearing a brief explanation of the Collhart family’s misdeeds, Shunenia’s existence, and the recent incident, the Emperor was taken aback.
“…A bastard child? And her birth wasn’t even made public.”
He fell silent for a moment, then spoke slowly.
“For now, since she’s the one you’ve chosen, I’ll accept it.”
“Then set the date of the banquet as soon as possible.”
“Before that, I’d like to meet her once.”
“What?”
“She’s someone you’ve personally accepted, not just anyone. How could I not be curious?”
Isaac’s face turned cold. He warned in a low, threatening voice.
“Don’t cross the line out of mere curiosity, Emperor. That would become very troublesome.”
“I’m requesting the meeting as Emperor, without personal motives. Surely it’s reasonable to know who the contract subject is.”
Their gazes locked in the air.
After a long silence, Isaac calculated that the Emperor’s reasoning was fair enough and nodded, breaking eye contact.
“Thank you.”
“It’s a reasonable request from your position.”
“Honestly, I was worried you’d throw this entire place into the abyss on the spot.”
“When did you awaken as a mind reader? Impressive.”
“…I’m glad you only stopped at thinking it.”
The Emperor, looking a bit pale, gave a half-grateful sigh.
Sensing that the discussion was mostly wrapped up, Isaac turned to leave—when the Emperor’s voice stopped him.
“There’s one condition.”
“…A condition.”
“No matter who you are, opening the palace gates to just one person is a big deal. In exchange for allowing it, there’s something I want you to handle.”
The Emperor spoke firmly, in a tone that showed he wouldn’t back down. This was different from his earlier, slightly hesitant demeanor.
Isaac’s eyes narrowed. After a moment of consideration, he nodded.
“Let’s hear it.”
“Recently, there’s been a report about an unauthorized facility near the border.”
“Then why not deal with it immediately?”
“Only you people can do that…”
Isaac asked back as if he didn’t see the problem, and the Emperor rubbed his face repeatedly. The unpredictable behavior of the Hardenbergs, who ignored common sense and rules, was as baffling as ever.
“It’s too close to the border, so it’s tricky to just sweep in carelessly. Additional reports say it’s very closed off, and strange, unknown supplies are being brought in.”
“…The ages of the people going in and out?”
Isaac finally spoke after a pause, meeting the Emperor’s eyes.
The Emperor muttered heavily, understanding what Isaac was implying.
“It’s uncertain, but… likely children of various ages.”
“…Experiments to create ability users.”
Isaac rubbed his mouth with his hand. The Emperor closed his eyes silently.
Ability users were rare—extremely rare—but those few possessed tremendous power.
They were strong, dangerous, and alluring beings. That was what ability users were.
“As expected, that must be it.”
The Emperor didn’t answer, but Isaac understood well enough.
Ability users were always born, never made. The reason was still unknown, but there had always been attempts to artificially create them for some purpose.
Of course, the test subjects were always children from the slums.
“We can’t be sure yet. But we can’t dismiss the possibility either.”
“…”
“As requested, we’ll hold the debutante ball for the new Hardenberg soon. And in return…”
The Emperor looked down at Isaac. Their serious gazes met—clear blue eyes and deep black.
“You’re to investigate and eliminate that facility.”
Isaac rolled his eyes. Even Hardenberg had to follow imperial orders to some extent—that was part of the contract.
Of course, they rarely complied without complaint.
‘Well… this much is reasonable.’
It wasn’t something they could ignore anyway.
Isaac nodded indifferently. The Emperor let out a quiet sigh of relief, as if holding his breath.
Isaac waved his hand dismissively without looking back.
“We’ll discuss the details later. I’m leaving.”
“Wait, about the specifics of the banquet—”
“As if the Imperial Palace doesn’t have enough party planners. Handle it yourselves.”
Just make sure it’s more extravagant and grand than any other party.
Leaving those firm words behind, Isaac vanished on the spot.
“Isaac?”
At the Hardenberg estate, Shunen greeted him.
Isaac spotted her enjoying some brownies with Ethan and smiled warmly.
“Shunen, it looks like your debutante ball will be happening soon.”
“Huh?”
❖ ❖ ❖
“So, you’ve arrived.”
Why… am I here again?
I steadied my dizzy mind.
– There’s just one condition. The Emperor wants to meet you, Shunen.
– The Emperor? Me?! Why?!
I was stunned by this new piece of news following the debutante announcement, but there was no time to dwell on it. All six of us were now standing before the Emperor—a supposedly “glorious” audience.
“Introductions are done. Please, sit.”
“…Thank you, then.”
This is so overwhelming I could die.
While I nervously sat down, Retilia crossed her legs elegantly, Isaac leaned back, Hazen slouched, and Ethan propped his feet up on the table.
Unlike me, the other five were completely relaxed.
Ethan warned sternly,
“Whatever you’re planning to ask, keep it short.”
“And no weird questions either…”
“Don’t worry. I’ve already spoken with Isaac.”
Threatening the Emperor—definitely main character behavior.
If any other nobles or attendants had seen this, they’d have fainted from shock, but what can you do? It’s them.
The Emperor, looking long resigned, focused his attention on me alone.
“So, Shunenia Hardenberg. You were originally part of the Collhart duchy, I hear.”
“They wouldn’t acknowledge it, though.”
They didn’t just refuse to acknowledge me—they wanted me dead.
The Emperor nodded.
“It must not have been an easy past.”
“No. Very much not.”
“…”
“I’d like to be honest about at least that much.”
Victims of abuse don’t need shallow sympathy. They need rescue.
I answered confidently, and the Emperor was momentarily at a loss for words.
“I… I see. Then, Shunenia Hardenberg, I have a few questions. I hope you’ll answer sincerely.”
The Emperor rubbed his dry face; he suddenly looked years older.
Was he despairing because even I looked like this now?
I awkwardly nodded at his earnest expression. He was still more normal than the rest of our group, at least…
“First, what kind of ability user are you?”
“Ah.”
“As you know, the Hardenbergs are bound to the Imperial Family by a sacred contract. All Hardenbergs must be ability users, and it’s their duty to use their powers to serve the Empire.”
“Ability user…”
“In return, Hardenberg is granted its noble status.”
Ah, I’m screwed. That was my immediate reaction to the Emperor’s kind explanation.
I don’t have any abilities.
I swore internally. Shunenia had never been given any powers—there was no way she had any.
‘Isaac, you didn’t tell me about this part of the contract!’
Panicked, I glanced at Isaac and the others. They exchanged looks that clearly said they weren’t happy either.
Isaac grumbled,
“Shunen is definitely an ability user.”
“What exactly is her ability?”
“That’s the tricky part. Sorry, Emperor, but we can’t tell you that.”
He said it firmly. The Emperor’s face hardened.
Isaac continued,
“But she is absolutely an ability user. I’ll personally vouch for it.”
“Isaac…! Wait, just—”
“Shunen’s ability isn’t something we can show recklessly, so we’d prefer not to discuss it either.”
Isaac’s tone was serious and weighty, as if revealing a great secret.
No, this is fraud. He’s actually lying to the Emperor. I was sweating nervously.
But the Emperor misunderstood my expression and nodded gravely.
“…A dangerous ability, then.”
No, it’s a nonexistent ability.
Isaac agreed solemnly.
“That’s right.”
No, it’s not!
“How dangerous? Comparable to you all?”
“As if anything could compare.”
“My goodness.”
“Let’s just say she holds the power to decide the fate of the world in her hands.”
I stared at Isaac in disbelief as he boldly committed contract fraud against the Empire.
But unfortunately, we did need an excuse.
The Emperor sighed heavily.
“Sigh… This is troublesome. Normally, we’d have to verify her powers without exception, but…”
“Are you going to drag this out? Isaac already told you. Isn’t that enough?”
“But not knowing her ability is a security issue for the Empire—”
“Your Majesty.”
Screw it. I cut Nobel off, raised my hand, and the Emperor looked at me curiously.
I spoke solemnly, almost theatrically.
“I don’t want to destroy the palace.”
At this point, I might as well join in threatening the Emperor’s safety like the rest of them.
“…!”
“Pfft—”
The Emperor was speechless, and Isaac covered his mouth to hide his laughter.
And that’s how I successfully left an impression as the “sixth great palace threat” following the other five, and was officially recognized as the sixth member of the Hardenbergs.
…Damn it.
❖ ❖ ❖
“Shunen, is there anything you like?”
Retilia asked gently.
I was currently at the most luxurious dress shop in town. The place sparkled gold everywhere, and glittering gemstone-embroidered dresses hung all around.
Normally, I’d be gawking in awe, but that wasn’t why we were here.
“Since it’s at the palace, it’d be improper not to wear a dress, right?”
We were here to buy the outfit I’d wear at my upcoming debutante ball in the Imperial Palace.
